Peter Ampim, Research Scientist, attended a two-day conference/workshop on high tunnel and strawberry production organized by AgriLife Extension on October 12 and 13, 2016 in Fort Worth.
The event’s first day covered a range of issues including new items on pesticide laws and regulation, high tunnel designs and construction, integrating aquaponics and high tunnels, integrated pest management and sustainable and organic production of fruits and vegetables. Ampim gave a presentation on “Sustainable Practices for Improving Soil Quality in High Tunnel Production” two years ago at this yearly conference.
The second part of the conference on Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) was a workshop organized for strawberries growers in Texas including those collaborating with AgriLife Extension, Prairie View A&M University and the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. These institutions have obtained a three-year grant from the SARE program to develop improved organic pest control practices for organic strawberry production. Hence, the workshop addressed several strawberry production issues including variety selection, sustainable soil management, cropping season extension, diseases, and challenges pertaining to strawberry production. In attendance were the project leaders from all the collaborating institutions and the Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.
Ali Fares, Ph.D.
Interim Associate Director, Cooperative Agricultural Research Center
alfares@pvamu.edu
(936) 261-5019